賛否

• Reading: さんぴ
• Romaji: sanpi
• Kanji breakdown: 賛 (san) — agree, approve, praise; 否 (hi/ina) — deny, reject, no
• Pronunciation: /sa.ɴ.pi/

Meaning

Pros and cons; for and against. Refers to divided opinion or the two opposing stances on an issue.

Typically appears in set phrases such as 賛否両論 (opinions both for and against), 賛否が分かれる (opinion is divided), and 賛否を問う (to put to a vote). It is a formal term used in political, academic, and media contexts. In debate contexts it captures the binary of support versus opposition without implying a correct side.

Examples

1. その政策は発表直後から国内外で賛否両論を巻き起こした。 The policy sparked divided opinions both at home and abroad almost immediately after its announcement.
2. 委員会内でも賛否が真っ二つに分かれており、議決に至っていない。 Opinion within the committee is split right down the middle and no resolution has been reached.
3. 賛否いずれの立場であれ、全員の意見を丁寧に聞いたうえで決断すべきだ。 Regardless of which side one takes, one should listen carefully to every voice before making a decision.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, debate, media, law

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 賛 (san, to agree or praise) and 否 (hi, to deny or reject). Classical Chinese origin, framing two antithetical stances as a single conceptual pair.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated